The Nvidia GeForce RTX 50 series uses the Blackwell architecture with up to 21,760 CUDA cores and 32 GB of GDDR7 memory. Models start at $249.
Nvidia’s RTX 50 series launched in early 2025, bringing the Blackwell architecture to desktop GPUs with major jumps in ray tracing, AI performance, and memory bandwidth. , each built on TSMC’s 4N process with support for PCIe 5.0 and DisplayPort 2.1b. Here is exactly what each model delivers.
RTX 50 Series Desktop Specs
The table below compresses the key specs for every confirmed model.
| Model | VRAM | CUDA Cores |
|---|---|---|
| RTX 5090 | 32 GB GDDR7 | 21,760 |
| RTX 5080 | 16 GB GDDR7 | 10,752 |
| RTX 5070 Ti | 16 GB GDDR7 | 8,960 |
| RTX 5070 | 12 GB GDDR7 | 6,144 |
| RTX 5060 Ti (16 GB) | 16 GB GDDR7 | 4,608 |
| RTX 5060 Ti (8 GB) | 8 GB GDDR7 | 4,608 |
| RTX 5060 | TBD | TBD |
| RTX 5050 | 8 GB GDDR6 | 2,560 |
Note that the RTX 5050 uses GDDR6 memory rather than GDDR7 — a common point of confusion. The RTX 5060’s full specs remain unconfirmed as of launch.
What Makes the Blackwell Architecture Different?
Blackwell replaces Ada Lovelace with 4th-generation RT cores for hardware-accelerated real-time ray tracing and 5th-generation Tensor cores that deliver up to 421 TOPS of AI performance across 80 Tensor cores on the full-fat die. DLSS 4 introduces Multi-Frame Generation, while Reflex 2 reduces system latency further. The architecture also debuts two new video engines: NVENC 9th-gen and NVDEC 6th-gen, plus support for DirectX 12 Ultimate and Vulkan 1.4.
Power, Connectors, and Compatibility
Nvidia has switched to the updated 12V-2×6 power connector across the lineup to avoid the melting issues seen with the older 12VHPWR standard. All cards require a PCIe 5.0 slot for full bandwidth but will run in PCIe 4.0 or 3.0 slots with some performance reduction. If you are comparing models for a new build, our roundup of the best RTX 50 series GPUs breaks down which card fits different budgets and workloads.
FAQs
When did the RTX 50 series launch?
Does the RTX 5050 use GDDR7 memory?
No — the RTX 5050 is the only desktop model in the series that uses GDDR6 memory rather than GDDR7. It packs 8 GB of GDDR6 on a 128-bit bus with a 130W TGP. This is a common mistake when reading spec sheets, so double-check before buying.
Will the RTX 50 series work with an older PCIe 4.0 motherboard?
Yes. The cards use a PCIe 5.0 interface but are backward-compatible with PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 3.0 slots. You will see some bandwidth reduction on older slots, but the performance loss is small for most gaming workloads — typically under 5 percent depending on the game and resolution.
References & Sources
- Nvidia (via Wikipedia). “GeForce RTX 50 Series” Comprehensive spec table covering VRAM, CUDA cores, TGP, and launch dates for all desktop models.